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In Search of Europes Best Castles to Visit

I’ll be the first to admit I’m a bit of a history geek. I love Europe because its so jam-packed with history from across the ages, loads of fascinating architecture and enough diversity to keep you entertained for weeks or months of travels. So when I was last in Europe I made it a bit of a mission to hunt down Europe’s Best Castles to visit. Some even operate as hotels and all are open to the public for viewing. So here they are…

Europes Best Castles to Visit

1. Peleș Castle, Romania

Let’s start with arguably Europe’s most beautiful castle (and a personal favourite), Peleș Castle in Sinaia, Romania. This Neo-Renaissance Castle is best visited by staying in nearby Brasov and combining a visit to #5 on this list – less beautiful but undeniably more renowned; Dracula’s Castle.

2. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

You’ve seen it before and probably heard about it, too. This is Europe’s most visited castle – with numbers skyrocketing in the previous 5 years. Nowadays more than 1.3 million people visit annually…. clearly there’s something worthwhile in scheduling a visit here. Visitors typically come on a day trip from nearby Munich and I would strongly recommend checking out Mike’s Bike Tours if you’re interested in cycling around the area as well.

3. Ashford Castle, Ireland

What’s better than a castle in Europe you can visit? A castle in Europe you can SLEEP IN, of course! Ashford Castle has recently undergone a number of renovations and is now more speccy than ever. Visitors who choose not to stay overnight can pay a small entrance fee to visit the castle and castle grounds which are certainly worth a visit if you’re ever in Ireland.

Image: Wikicommons License by Ignacio Cobes Rey

4. Castle of Coca, Spain

This 15th Century Castle is high on my radar, but I am yet to have the pleasure of visiting Segovia, Spain. If you find yourself in the area, this is renowned for being one of Europe’s most beautiful castles to visit so be sure to put it on your list!

5. Bran Castle, Romania

Dun Dun Dunnnnnnnn! (should sounds like horror music). Bran Castle is perhaps Eastern Europe’s most renowned castle to visit because it is also known as Dracula’s Castle. This association encourages visitors from around the globe to partake in the legend, even if the stories are lacking in proof. Its a lot of fun and well worth a visit to Transylvania, a beautiful part of Eastern Europe that remains off the beaten path and as such feels somewhat reminiscent of a bygone era.

6. Mont Saint-Michel, France

This small island commune in Normandy is a major tourist attraction and typically dubbed the most spectacular castle to visit in France. If there’s one castle in France you should aim to visit, this should be it. But if you’re in the country travelling around, its highly unlike you will stop at just one. France is a mecca for castle-hunting and chateau spotting. Be sure to hire a car and get gloriously lost!

Image: DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

7. Windsor Castle, England

Dubbed the “must visit” castle in the UK, Windsor Castle is a huge tourist attraction for visitors to England. Located in the English county of Berkshire, this castle is an extraordinary display of architecture over the ages, having been commenced in the 11th Century and holding a strong association to the British Royal Family.

8. Chateau de Versailles, France

Okay okay, so its not a castle but instead a palace… however no list of Royal Residences in Europe to visit would be complete without a swift mention of King Louis’ Chateau de Versailles. If you’re visiting Paris be sure to take the short train journey to nearby Versailles as it is a must see for any and all history buffs.

9. Prague Castle, Czech Republic

Nearing the end of the list, it would be a shame not to include Prague Castle, a spectacular castle that overlooks the city of Prague. As far as visiting great European castles go, the Prague Castle self-guided audio tour failed to impress… but some visitors love the experience. Certainly worth a visit for first-time visitors to Prague.

10. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Last but never least, the spectacular Edinburgh Castle. The Scottish capital surprises most travellers with its unique charm and impressive architecture. Indeed, this is one of Europe’s most underrated cities to visit.

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I would also add the Pena Castle in Portugal, which is absolutely gorgeous. It was built during the Middle Ages, then destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and the ruins were brought to life in the 19th century by King Ferdinand.

Then, the De Haar Castle in Utrecht, founded in the 14th century. It’s a beautiful piece of architecture.

Here are other suggestions for those who are interested in European castles:

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3 years ago

Guest

Ben Lee

You are absolutely right, it is not really a castle (and for that matter, neither is Chateau de Versailles, which is more a palace) but very lovely to visit all the same. For those who love fortified towns, I would highly recommend Dubrovnik, Croatia. You can walk a full round over the place on its city walls.

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4 years ago

Guest

Ben Lee

Yes I have been to Schonbrunn as well. It is lovely, but I am sorry, I have to rank it after Peterhof, Saint Catherine’s palace and Chateau de Versailles in that order as far as palaces go.

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4 years ago

Guest

Ben Lee

Yes I love Chenonceau too! There is even a very lovely French restaurant in the garden.

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4 years ago

Guest

Ben Lee

It is criminal to leave out Peterhof in Saint Petersburg from the list. I have been to Mont Saint Michel, Versailles, Prague Castle, Edinburgh castle but they all pale in comparison to Peterhof, especially its gardens. Versailles inspired Peter the Great to build Peterhof, so he ensured that the latter outdid Versailkes in its grandeur manifold including the wonderful wooden flooring within the palace.

Excellent post! I love castles. They are my favorite places to visit. There are so many of them to see. Just in Poland there are over a hundred of them. I wrote a post about my favorites here:travelfeed.org

and if you are looking for other nice castles in Europe please check these ones in Poland: 1. Zamek Wawel in Krakow – with the mysterious positive energy place called the Wawel Chakra, 2. Zamek Ogrodzieniec – beautiful ruins of the medieval castle, 3. Zamek Niedzica – spend a night here but be aware it is haunted by the White Lady, 4. Zamek Korzkiew – you can have a wedding here, 5. Zamek Malbork – the world’s biggest brick stronghold and while visiting Malbork do not forget to visit Gdansk (50 km away) and of course there are other interesting… Read more »

The Gardens at the Palace of Versailles is almost as impressive as the majestic palace itself. I couldn’t believe how big and gorgeous it was until I actually saw it.

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4 years ago

Guest

StyleManual

Next time look at Castello di Fumone in Italy! It’s wonderful! You can visit it in the inside and see all the ancient original piece of furniture: It’s the play where the Pope Celestino V died. And, here you can see the body embalmed of the little prince killed by his sisters! Amazing!!!

#6 in France looks so amazing! I’ve only seen the one in Prague and Edinburgh. Edinburgh is indeed an underrated city, i just wrote a post about my trip there yesterday actually 🙂 Ahh so many places to visit!

I’ve already seen some of these (several times for a few of them), but the others definitely make it to my bucket list!
Though for the sake of accuracy I must point out that the Mont Saint Michel is not a castle, but a fortified city with an abbey on top 😉

I have like a love-hate relationship with Peles Castle. I was like 3 weeks on Romania, visiting my father. He was on Ploesti and we travel like half day to get to the castle. We arrive like 10 minutes after it closed for the day…-.-

Even though I’ve been to Windsor three times in the last 2 years, I’ve never been to the castle, only seen it from the outside. How silly is that! It’s on my list to do though, along with Mont Saint Michel which I have been wanting to visit for ages!

I’ve been to a few of these (Peles, Windsor, and Prague) but I’d love to get to Neuschwanstein Castle. Have you been to Predjama Castle in Slovenia? It’s not as elaborate as some of these… BUT it’s in a cliff!

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4 years ago

Guest

Fanni

Aww as a Hungarian I really missed the Buda castle in Budapest from this list, it’s just sooo amazing!! Also, Schönbrunn castle in Vienna is an absolute must see!! However the ones in the list are spectacular as well.

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4 years ago

Guest

Tily

Hi Brooke!
i really liked your list (especially since i am Romanian and there are 2 castles on the list).

I agree Prague castle is more about the complex than the castle itself- but definitely worth a visit.
I live nearby so we’ve done it a few times and it’s still impressive. I would definitely add Granada on the list. It’s not a castle per say, more of a complex but it is definitely worth visiting- one of the most fascinating places I’ve seen.
Also, maybe consider the Buda castle in Budapest- it’s an awesome area with lots of history to discover.

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4 years ago

Guest

MONya

I highly recommend Palácio da Pena in Sintra, Portugal. It’s just like in a fairytale ♥

I’m so happy I’ve visited several of these in the past years! I think the one in Normandy will be next on my list, as my husband is a bit of a history nerd and we are going to check out Normandy for the historical purposes. I saw your post on instagram today asking for fellow travel-lovers, and wanted to reach out here as well. I’d love to be involved with whatever you are doing! Can’t wait to continue to follow along on your adventures.

Wow. Now I am more proud to say that I`m a Romanian. #1 and #5 are in Romania, Transylvania.

They are both really awesome and worth visited! I hope more and more people will get to see them. As for the others..I will write them on my wish list! <3

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4 years ago

FROM THE EDITOR:

Hello, Hola, Bonjour!
My name is Brooke Saward and I have been travelling the world solo for the past seven years. Here you can find my travel inspiration & advice to help plan your own adventures or gain the confidence to travel solo. Thanks for stopping by!